If you don’t have a permanent water supply, a mini dishwasher with a water tank could work for you, provided you can fill it and drain the wastewater as instructed. A temporary connection requires a compatible tap and accessories. A compact model fitted to existing connections also needs a suitable water supply, drain and electrical supply. If washing up by hand is still quick and manageable for your household, you can simply choose not to install an appliance.
A tabletop appliance with a water tank lets you wash up without a permanent water supply, as long as you’re happy to fill it by hand and have a plan for draining the wastewater. UFC-Que Choisir describes tank-fed models as an option for smaller households that don’t have room for a standard appliance.
A temporary connection can avoid the need for a permanent installation, but you’ll need to check that the tap, adapter and hose are compatible with the model you choose. You’ll also need to be able to set up the drainage without any building work.
If your home has a compatible water supply, drain and electrical connection, a compact appliance can save you from filling a tank by hand. Check that it fits on your worktop and that you can access the connections you’ll need before settling on this option.
First, work out how the appliance will get its water and where it will drain it. Then compare the space available, capacity and day-to-day requirements.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply and drainage | Check whether it can be filled from a tank or connected to a tap. Find out where the drain hose can go, as specified in the instructions. | I don’t have a dedicated water supply, but I can fill a tank and arrange safe drainage. |
| Space and capacity | Compare the number of place settings, the size of your plates and the appliance’s dimensions. Remember to allow space to open the door and route the hoses. | My everyday dishes need to fit inside without cluttering the sink or taking over my worktop. |
| Water, energy and noise | ADEME recommends checking the kWh per 100 standard cycles and litres per cycle. Also compare the Eco programme’s duration, capacity and noise level. | In a small kitchen or open-plan room, I want to be able to assess energy use and noise for my own circumstances. |
| Maintenance and drying | Check the instructions for compatible products, any water-softener settings and maintenance requirements. Look at the drying information for the model you’re considering. | I’d like to know what routine tasks and consumables the appliance will need. |
| Amount of washing up | Think about how much washing up you have after meals, and how long it takes to wash and dry everything by hand. UFC-Que Choisir says an appliance isn’t essential if these tasks take less than 15 minutes. | If I don’t have much washing up and can get it done quickly by hand, I can also choose not to install an appliance. |
A tank replaces a permanent water supply, but you’ll still need to deal with wastewater. If you haven’t planned the drainage properly, the appliance may be awkward to use or could leak.
Before buying, work out where the hose will drain and how you’ll secure it. Then check that your setup follows the instructions for the model.
An appliance may fit on your worktop but still leave too little room to open the door, load the dishes or route the hoses.
Measure the usable width, depth and height, as well as the clearance needed around the exact model.
The rating doesn’t tell you everything about water use per cycle, capacity, the Eco programme’s duration or noise.
Compare the energy label figures on their respective bases, including kWh per 100 cycles, litres per cycle and noise level.
Which products to use and which settings to choose will depend on the model. Make sure you also read the terms of any commercial warranty separately from your statutory rights.
Check the instructions for consumables and maintenance, then review the seller’s information about warranties and after-sales service.
Depending on the appliance and products used, detergent, dishwasher salt or rinse aid may be recurring costs.
These examples illustrate different setups. The brand alone won’t tell you what connections or features the model you’re considering has.
The manufacturer describes Bob as a mini tabletop dishwasher that can be used with its tank or connected to a water supply.
HAVA offers mini dishwashers with water tanks, including models designed for kitchens without a permanent water supply.
In 2021, UFC-Que Choisir featured the Studio MINID3SL alongside Bob in its hands-on review of mini dishwashers.
These tabletop appliances illustrate two of the options discussed here: filling from a tank and temporarily connecting to a tap. For each one, pay particular attention to drainage and how it will fit in your kitchen. This selection doesn’t rule out washing up by hand or using connections already in place.
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The built-in tank means you can fill it by hand without a permanent water supply. Before setting it up, check the instructions for where the wastewater can drain and how to secure the hose. Compare energy use using standardised figures.
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Manual filling may suit a kitchen without a dedicated water supply. Check the drainage method specified in the instructions and measure the space you’ll need. The depth information for this model should be clarified.
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The built-in tank makes this an option to consider if you don’t have a permanent connection. Check the full dimensions and the drainage method specified in the instructions. If you want to use a water supply, check separately that you have the right tap and adapter.
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If you’re considering a temporary tap connection, check that the adapter and hose are compatible with your plumbing. Before buying, also check the appliance’s dimensions and the permitted route for wastewater.
Yes, if the model is designed to be filled by hand. Daan Tech, for example, says that Bob has a 3.9 L tank and can also be connected to a standard water supply. Check the filling options in the instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
Yes, a tank doesn’t remove the need to deal with wastewater. Daan Tech provides information about a drain hose for Bob. Check where the hose can drain on the model you choose, as well as its length and how it should be secured.
Compare the kWh per 100 standard cycles and litres of water per cycle, as recommended by ADEME. Capacity, the Eco programme’s duration and noise level can then help you decide whether the appliance suits your needs and kitchen.
Follow the instructions for your model to find out which products to use and whether to adjust the water softener. UFC-Que Choisir notes that rinse aid helps prevent marks when drying. Check the compartments and instructions for your specific appliance.
No. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, the statutory guarantee of conformity is compulsory in France for new, used and refurbished goods sold by a business to an individual. Read the terms of any commercial warranty offered by the seller separately.